Citizenship scheme helps Liam McGrath change his life around

A ST Columb Major teenager has told how his life was changed through a good citizen scheme.

Liam McGrath waved goodbye to his hair when he had his head shaved to help fund Children's Hospice South West's (CHSW) work.

The 17-year-old, who attends Cornwall College at St Austell, took part in the fundraising stunt when his group decided to raise money for the charity, which provides care and precious moments for children with life-threatening and limiting conditions and their families. The teenagers were introduced to CHSW, which runs Little Harbour Hospice in Porthpean, near St Austell, while taking part in the National Citizen Service programme.

Liam admits at first he was not interested in the scheme but that changed.

The student said: "I was petrified about getting my hair shaved, I felt really cold afterwards but I did it because it gives a child who hasn't got long left to live a better life."

He added: "It has honestly changed my life. I am more approachable and confident now. I now want to be a youth worker and help people and this experience has helped me 100 per cent to make that decision."

Sophie Morcom, 17, and Summer Moore, 16, who are both studying beauty therapy at the St Austell also said the course had a big impact on their lives. Summer said: "The people we worked with at the charity said we had changed their opinion of young people, which is great. I would recommend this programme to everyone, you get lots of support along the way and it really does change your life and the lives of those you are helping."

The team also held a sponsored walk in all-in-one pyjamas, onesies, and held a tombola to raise a total of £800.